Sayori: Neji is the king of audacity LOL. Yes! I have seen those memes it does fit perfectly!
GuiltyPleasureFic: It's kind of a peeve of mine when people write Gai and Lee that way. They do have moments in the anime and manga where they aren't being all worked up. I try to give them a bit more subtle interactions than just the dramatic green beasts.
The Date pt 2
Tenten hummed as she waited on a bench on the main street of Konoha. She was still thinking about the argument she had with Neji earlier. Lee was able to help her see what could've been possibly going through the Hyuga's mind while he confronted her about this date. After running laps and spending a few hours talking and working on her taijutsu with Lee, she did feel better about her decision to go through with it. Since it was her first date, she took her time getting ready and had her spandex clad teammate raid her closet for acceptable attire. He was kind enough to walk her to her meeting point and affirmed that she did in fact look beautiful. She sat straight against the fence and looked around expectantly. People passed along, going about their business. Well, she was early, she made sure she had the decency to be at least ten minutes early just in case something went wrong. Her hands were folded in her lap as she sat gracefully. Sure, she was nervous, it was her first date. While getting ready with Lee, she tried brainstorming things to talk about with Diachi. Small talk wasn't her strong suit, in fact, she even found small talk to be a waste of time. She liked having meaningful conversations, like the ones she had with her teammates. Neji was the best person to talk to if she wanted to have a conversation. He was a master at deep conversations and would always be willing to offer topics that she could easily follow; not that she needed him to, but she had noticed it when they would hang out casually together. Silence was also comfortable for them, but Tenten preferred to hear his voice and encouraged him to speak his mind just as he listened to her when she spoke to him. Shaking her head, she silenced her thoughts. She really shouldn't be thinking about him at a time like this. Sure, they had exchanged their first kiss a few years ago. But that was a complete accident on her part. Neji had also expressed that he did not like the fact that she was attracting attention, and people would "fawn over her". Part of her was slightly disappointed that she was on this date with another guy…Neji should've been in his place. Though she had no idea how the Hyuga felt about her beyond being his best friend, she had hoped that the reason why Neji was so worked up over this date was because he would confess to her in some way. That's a stupid idea…girl, he's just being a protective best friend. Just like how he is protective of Hinata…like a brother. The weapons mistress rubbed her hands together and looked around again. It was getting a bit chilly and she was cursing herself for being early.
Neji was leaning on a crate on a side street when Rock Lee had found him. The Hyuga didn't even question how his teammate knew he would be tailing tailing during her date, but the fact that the bowl-cut teen was even there just gave some comfort that he was not the only one worried about Tenten. Lee had only offered a smile as he too settled himself in a relaxed pose against the concrete wall of a building. The byakugan user just nodded at him and glanced over at the bench that Tenten sat at. The Hyuga was in his civilian wear, this time sporting a denim jean jacket and white top. His jeans were slim, and cuffed at the ankle. Lee had noticed that he wasn't even wearing his Konoha headband and instead sported a black silken headtie to replace it. He really did look like an average civilian if you were to look at Neji from afar.
"You helped her pick that out?" he asked after a moment.
"Yes, I thought I would be most youthful for her date." The taijutsu specialist nodded excitedly. "Does she not look exquisite?"
Neji hummed as he looked over her outfit. The dress was baby pink, about the color of Sakura Haruno's hair. It was a halter top that fell into an A-line skirt. She wore white pumps and gold earrings with matching bangles. Her makeup accentuated her bright brown eyes and her lips were glazed with a sparkly tinted gloss. Her hair was styled in a fancy top-knot with a white ribbon to match her dress.
"She looks immaculate…" Neji sighed longingly as he looked at her from afar.
Lee couldn't help himself but smile at his friend's misfortune. He knew that Neji meant well for her, but that argument did almost lead him to confessing his feelings towards their immaculate teammate.
"I wanted to ask you," the taijutsu specialist hummed. "What did Gai-sensei say to you after you left?"
The Hyuga turned his head to face his teammate. He ran a hand through his hair and pursed his lips together as he recalled the long conversation he had with their sensei;
If Neji's footsteps were any heavier, they would cause earthquakes and devastation with the amount of power he was emitting from them. He knew Gai was following him and he didn't care. In a way, he was embarrassed for acting out in such a way to Tenten; he was better than that and he knew it. Usually, keeping his feelings in check was an easy task but for some reason he was unable to control his temper for this particular situation. Neji never thought the day would come where Tenten would potentially leave his side…to be with someone else. It was selfish of him, he knew that. And yet, he couldn't stop himself from being upset, his chest was heavy, his stomach was in knots…he was a mess. Approaching the training grounds, the Hyuga stormed up to a wooden post. His shoulders shook violently as he felt his eyes begin to burn, his vision blurring slightly.
"Don't cry." He told himself. "Don't cry over her and that nobody."
Raising his fist, he struck the wooden post. Gai watched from a bit of a distance away as the Hyuga angrily pounded on the wooden post, sending splinters and chips flying around him.
"Don't you fucking cry!" Neji shouted to himself.
"There is nothing wrong with crying, my boy."
Neji leaned his forehead against the post. He kept his back towards his master and tried to breathe. Shoulders still trembling, he squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth. There was no way in hell he was about to start crying. Definitely not over some stupid date. He knew he hurt Tenten's feelings, but he absolutely loathed the idea of her being with someone else. His trembling turned into huffs as he dug his nails into the wood, his knuckles turning white as he squeezed; pleading with himself to stop feeling this emotion.
Two warm hands clapped his shoulders suddenly, causing his head to perk up and his eyes to open wide. Gai was towering over him, holding a straight, but gentle expression. Neji shook his head, causing his sensei to take a step back. Releasing the post, he faced his sensei, his eyes cast to the ground. He was about to say something when the Taijutsu master beat him to it.
"I know you're about to tell me that you're 'fine'. But you are definitely not 'fine', Neji." Gai said calmly. "Allow yourself to be upset. It is what makes you human."
His ivory eyes were glazed over and his cheeks were slightly puffed up. Neji raised his wrist and rubbed his eyes, catching the tears that began to fall from them. The busy-browed sensei smiled slightly. His prodigy of a student had become a bit more open with his emotions over the past few years, He has seen Neji cry a handful of times before, however he would be very quick to recover. This time the Hyuga may need some time to get himself through this emotion. Neji was incredibly kind as a person, he has seen it as he interacted with Tenten and with Lee as they grew closer over the years. His heart was big as it was heavy, and Gai knew the awkwardness caused his student to bottle things up until it exploded; the complete opposite of Tenten and Lee who were both hot headed and wore their hearts on their sleeves. Neji took a bit of work to get him to open up.
"You are experiencing a handful of emotions," Gai murmured. "Love is the most youthful emotion you have. This sadness is part of it."
In a way, Neji was grateful that it was Gai who went after him and not Lee. The taijutsu specialist treated his students as if they were his own blood; the father figure Neji missed out on. He's had conversations with Gai-sensei before; serious ones, emotional ones, intellectual ones. No one but the team…maybe even Kakashi-sensei, actually knew that Maito Gai wasn't just an overactive ball of energy. He made sure the people he cared about were taken care of, even if it meant being overbearingly annoying.
"Neji," Gai put a hand on his head. "Your heart has overflowed with such sorrow that it tipped over into your words."
The Hyuga inhaled and wiped the last of his tears from his face. He finally looked at his master in the face, ready to talk.
"You are seventeen years old and in love. Let your disappointment settle in, but the way you spoke to Tenten today was unacceptable." his sensei scolded. "You know better than to pick a fight with her over something you have no control over."
"I…know." Neji shoved his hands in his pockets. "I was completely out of line."
Gai offered a small smile. Neji regretted starting an argument with Tenten and he even knew it was incredibly idiotic to be jealous over something as ridiculous as a date. Tenten was right, it's not like anyone else was asking her out or confessing to her. Upon other conversations he has had with Gai-sensei, the topic of his feelings towards Tenten have been picked up a few times. Neji was afraid he'd ruin his friendship with her, and their relationship would get in the way of their careers. Shinobi did fall in love, they were human. However, the idea of being in love was something he had never felt before that was more than familial love. He loved his late father, he loved his cousins, he loved his friends. But this kind of love was different and he was perfectly content with keeping it hidden. His chest would tingle when Tenten would smile at him, the warmth of her hands when he held them gave him absolute comfort. Her happiness was something he chose to take responsibility for. She would always think she was not good enough for anything or anyone, Neji always assured her she was good enough. Tenten was good enough for him.
"Let's talk, man-to-man." Gai said. "You need to work on how you handle jealousy. I know you may feel as if you need to keep Tenten on some kind of rope. Trust me, I know how you feel."
Neji pursed his lips together but kept quiet.
"However, in your youth, it is important to remember that you are two different people. You don't have to like that our exquisite kunoichi is attracting attention, but you need to respect her choices. Especially, if you are choosing to stay quiet about your feelings for her." the Taijutsu master explained. "You have no right to criticize others who have the courage to do what you chose not to do."
The byakugan user sucked his teeth. "He is not right for her."
"You do not know that," Gai shot back. "And if he isn't right for her, she needs to see that for herself."
A good point, Neji thought. He just didn't want to see Tenten get hurt. He didn't want to see her get her heart broken, or leave his side; he didn't want to lose the sunshine that kept the storm clouds away. The bowl-cut shinobi chuckled a bit and promised that even if it did work out between Tenten and this Diachi fellow, she would not leave Neji's side. He wouldn't say it to the Hyuga, but Gai noticed that Tenten was Neji's cheerleader and his most treasured person next to his cousins. The bunhead had the prodigy in wrapped sound her finger ever since they were gennin, and there was no way that she would just up and leave that easily. Yes, Neji did express to Tenten how he felt about the situation, however he needed to also take Tenten's feelings into consideration. The Hyuga agreed with this notion, he did feel bad. Tenten was excited for this date…excited for the fact that someone was interested in getting to know her in a romantic way. And Neji ruined her mood by letting his jealousy get the best of him.
"Sixteen and in love…" Gai hummed. "I think it would be in your best interest to apologize."
"For what? Telling her how I felt?" Neji looked at him in confusion.
"No-no, not for what you said. You should apologize for how you said it."
A sigh escaped Hyuga's throat and he finally nodded. Yes, he was a complete asshole for how he addressed it and even hurt her feelings. In a way, Tenten was better at handling this feeling, which the statement confused Gai, to where Neji had briefly explained the conversation he had with Tenten after they returned from passing the chunnin exams. Gei's eyebrows shot to his forehead; Neji only had told him and Lee that Tenten was in a foul mood because of something that happened during an interaction with a foreign shinobi, he didn't go into specifics. But now it made sense, Gai thought. These two were hopelessly in love with each other and neither of them knew it. Neji made it painfully obvious to everyone around him how he felt about Tenten, even when he didn't mean to. And yet the weapons mistress had no clue…and how could she? She didn't know what it was like to be admired by someone until now with Diachi who had the balls to approach her.
"So," Gai gave a thumbs up. "I trust that you will do your part and make things right with our lovely flower of steel?"
Neji nodded. If he could catch her before her date and apologize, hopefully Tenten would be in a better mood and not drag the negative emotion into her date. Lee had stayed behind with her, he wondered if his teammate was also speaking to her, just as Gai was speaking to him…or at least calming her down.
"You're a great kid, Neji." Gai gave a blinding grin. "And knowing you and Lee, you both will be trailing them like hawks to make sure nothing bad happens."
Neji's eyes went wide at that last statement. His cheeks fizzled into a bright pink color as he could've sworn Gai had just read his mind.
"Neji, the time will come when you realize that you must say something. As you can see, she can be taken away just as easily as she stands at your side. Act soon, you may lose your chance."
Lee offered a smile as Neji looked at him in the face. He wanted to make things right with Tenten…after her date. The Hyuga glanced back over to the bench and saw Tenten still seated, her ankles crossed and her hands in her lap. Pushing back his sleeve, Neji checked his watch. A deep frown sprouted on his face; Diachi was now fifteen minutes late.
"Let us give it another five minutes, perhaps?" Lee murmured. "Perhaps he was caught up with something?"
"I…don't think he's coming." The Hyuga mumbled.
The boys looked around, Neji activated his byakugan. There was no sign of Diachi anywhere. Lee had offered to see if he could track him down, but the Hyuga shook his head. There was no point if the guy was already late. The Hyuga deactivated his kekkei-genkai and looked back over at Tenten. She had a solemn look of embarrassment on her face. She had gotten dressed up just to be left waiting on a bench? Neji's eyebrows furrowed as an angry aura covered him.
"I feel…bad for her," The bowl-cut shinobi said. "What do we do? I do not like seeing her upset. That is very un-youthful of Diachi to not show up. We should go find him-"
"Screw him," Neji snapped as he wiped his palms on his jeans and adjusted his ponytail.
"Neji, what are you-"
"I am going to fix this mess." The Hyuga said before walking into the main street.
Lee watched as Neji skillfully maneuvered his way through the crowd of people and approached Tenten. A smile crept onto his face as she watched Tenten look at Neji in surprise. Nodding in approval, the taijutsu specialist decided to try and track down this Diachi guy anyway…he wanted to have a few words with him while Neji made sure Tenten was alright.
"Oh…Neji, what are you doing here?" The weapons mistress looked at him wide eyed.
The Hyuga stood before her with a neutral expression.
"I was looking for you," he said. "To apologize."
Tenten blinked. A small smile spread across her glossed lips as he sat next to her on the bench and spoke. He was sorry that he completely dismissed her excitement for her date. He apologized for his tone, and that he didn't want her to be disappointed in any way. The Hyuga admitted to being over protective, just as how he usually is when it came to others looking at her. He felt like a complete jerk for how it went down back at her apartment, and he hoped she would forgive him.
"I forgive you," Tenten replied softly as she swung her legs. "Lee explained to me why you were so determined to stop me from this date."
"Oh…" Neji gulped. "What did he say?"
Tenten hummed; Lee just explained to her that he didn't want her to get hurt and that he felt that she was too good for Diachi. Neji released a breath he didn't know he was holding; he knew he could trust Lee when it came to not outing him on his feelings towards their female teammate, but sometimes he wasn't sure if it would slip or not.
"Well, it's not like it matters now." Tenten sighed and looked at her hands in disappointment. "He's obviously not coming at this point…what a waste of time."
"I'm sorry, Ten." Neji murmured and put a hand on her bicep.
She shook her head; in a way, it was good too to be true. The Hyuga pursed his lips at that thought and stood abruptly. Tenten eyed him in shock as he held his hand out to her.
"Neji?" the weapons mistress looked between his face and his hand.
"Since he's a no show, I'll replace him." The Hyuga announced. "I know you better anyway, so we will have a successful date."
Tenten's lips fell slightly ajar. It was sweet of him to do so, but she didn't want him to feel bad for her just because she was stood up. But Neji insisted, he wanted to make it up to her for being a jerk, and he was confident that she would have a better time with him anyway. Her cheeks sprouted into a faint rouge as she gently placed her hand on top of his; she was about to go on an impromptu date with Neji Hyuga.
"Okay," she smiled brightly at him. "Let's do it."
Neji squeezed her hand before removing his denim jacket and draping it over her shoulders. Offering his arm to her, he led her down the main streets. They ate at Tenten's favorite restaurant, laughed and talked the whole time about anything and everything. They stopped at a dessert street cart, where Neji bought her sweets and they sat at a bench nearby. Neji smiled as Tenten expressed that she found it interesting that they were in this position. It was as if it was an act of fate that she was stood up and he was looking for her to apologize; the timing couldn't have been better. As the night went on, Neji walked her back to her apartment. They stood outside her door.
"Do you…want to come in for some tea?" Tenten asked.
Neji shook his head. "We have training in the morning. I think I'll pass this time. It's been a long day."
Tenten nodded in agreement. There was silence between them as they stood in front of her door. What did people on dates do at the end of it? Neji was racking his brain for any way to smoothly end the date without being awkward. He could kiss her…well, he did that already to break even when she accidentally kissed him. But he wanted to kiss her on his own volition. Tenten's lips smacked as she yawned slightly, tired as well.
"I don't think I told you but," Neji said suddenly, "You look…beautiful in your dress."
Tenten's amber eyes grew wide as she quickly looked down at her outfit and back at the Hyuga. "T-thanks. Lee helped me pick it out. It's not my usual but since it was supposed to be a date, I figured, why not?"
"Lee picked well," he nodded. "Regardless, I think whatever you would've picked would have looked lovely on you."
Tenten grinned as Neji's face became visibly pink. He was so awkward, it was cute. She shrugged off Neji's jacket and handed it back to him. Her heels held her close to his height, to which she leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you." She said brightly. "I had a great time."
Neji allowed his mouth to fall into a smile as he simply nodded at her. He too had a great time, and he was happy he was able to make up for his behavior earlier. The weapons mistress wished him a good night as she turned to open her door. That's when Neji grabbed her by her wrist to swing her back around. The conversation with Gai-sensei had rang in his head as he looked at her surprised expression. This was his chance, and with the night they just had, he was feeling confident enough to attempt to say something.
"Wha-"
"Tenten, I'm going to say something. I need you to listen. You don't have to say anything but, please…just listen." The Hyuga murmured, his expression serious.
Taking a deep breath, the prodigy spoke. He told her about how he admired her and how he appreciated everything she has done for him over the past few years. The weapons mistress handled the childish behaviors of their teammate and sensei like a pro, and yet still allowed them to be who they were. Tenten was what was holding him together when he felt like the world was caving in on him, and how she continued to cheer him on, even if he had a large storm cloud over his head. She brought him so much joy and seeing others fawn over her made him go crazy; he didn't like it. He wanted her attention, and hers alone. He had so much trouble keeping himself together that he would sometimes come off as cold, or distant. And yet she would stay beside him and allow him to vent or just speak his mind. She wasn't afraid to argue with him, or check him when he was being out of hand. He trusted her with his life, and admitted his chest ached whenever she felt like she wasn't good enough.
"You are good enough…for me." Neji explained. "And, I and not okay with you being with someone else."
"Neji…what are you saying?" Tenten asked quietly, her face flushed at the string of compliments he just spewed out at her.
"I…" he hesitated trying to find the wrods. After a few second, his brain stopped processing. "Have feelings for you. Feelings that stem past just being friends."
Tenten gasped. She looked into his ivory eyes, looking for some kind of sign of jest. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, there was no way the Neji Hyuga had a crush on her. But the way Neji had just explained himself, it was more than just a crush. She guessed he had been thinking about his speech the whole time they were on the date.
"So, that's that." he murmured.
"Neji-"
"I don't need an answer now. I just…saw the opportunity and took it."
"Ne-"
"But I totally understand if you-"
"Oh my God. Neji, shut up for a second." Tenten snapped.
The Hyuga closed his mouth and looked at her expectantly. He was slightly grateful she had cut into what would've been his rambling. Tenten grinned and embraced the Hyuga standing in front of her. After the last talk they had about jealousy, she had realized she also had feelings for him that went past friendship. It took her a while, but she was delighted that Neji had the same thoughts.
"It sucks that I got stood up," she spoke into his chest. "But, you came swooping in to help, as you usually do for me."
Neji wrapped his arms around her body and let out a chuckle. He supposed he did always come "swooping in" for her. Tenten wasn't the type that needed saving, but he would be there for her regardless to be of assistance; it showed that he cared.
"So, you like me, I like you…we just had a great date," the weapons mistress looked up at him. "What now?"
"I'd like to take you out again," Neji replied. "If…that's alright."
Tenten nodded instantly. It was more than alright for her. She felt his heart flutter in his chest as he slowly bent down and gently laid his lips against hers. It was no accident this time, and he meant it. The rush of warmth spread from her lips to his face, and he nearly groaned when she pulled away. Taking a step back, Tenten grinned.
"See you in the morning?"
The Hyuga nodded and watched as she walked through the threshold. When the door clicked shut, he lingered there for a moment processing what had just occurred. Years of his careful control had finally come to a moment of achievement. A breathy laugh escaped his lips as he put his jacket back on, the scent of her perfume lingered on the denim which caused him to retain his smile as he walked down the street. Upon reaching his own abode, he spotted his teammate leaning against the door. Neji cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Well?" the Hyuga asked. "You went to look for him. What happen?"
Lee shook his head and gave a reassuring smile. "We needn't worry about it."
"Ominous of you. I won't ask." Neji cocked an eyebrow as he reached for his keys.
"How was the date?"
"We have another one soon," the byakugan user unlocked his door.
Lee yelped and questioned his rival once more about the events that took place during their date. But Neji shook his head, promising that they would speak another time. For now, he wanted to be by himself and revel in this feeling of triumph.